Meet the new Moto Z (left) and Moto Z Force (right). Both phones share the same base performance specifications: 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED display (1440 x 2560 pixels, 535 ppi), Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, 4GB RAM, fingerprint reader and Moto Mods support. They come in 32GB and 64GB variants with microSD support up to 2TB. The Moto Z will have a worldwide release starting September 2016. The Moto Z Force is currently a North American exclusive. Prices have yet to be announced.
However, there are differences:
Moto Z: 5.2mm thick, 136g, 13MP F1.8 rear camera with laser AF and OIS, 2,600mAh battery and TurboPower fast charging.
Moto Z Force: 7mm thick, 163g, 21MP F1.8 rear camera with laser plus phase detect AF and OIS, 3,500mAh battery, TurboPower fast charging and ShatterShield technology (similar to the Moto X Force), for a virtually unbreakable screen.
Besides the physical thickness difference, both phones share the same outward design from button to sensor placements. The front is rather standard with a curved design with a front 5MP F2.2 camera and LED flash. You'll notice the volume and power buttons on the right. The left side of the phone is kept clean without any buttons, slots or input jacks.
The bottom feels like much wasted space with the fingerprint reader being the only active input. Flanking it are the speakers and two of a quad-mic array, which supposedly enables advanced speech features. This feature wasn't elaborated on, so we'll update as we get more information. One of the main reasons we suspect of this design is that the rear of the phone is dedicated to the modular add-ons, thus it is an engineering compromise to put as many of the sensors and base components on the front of the phone instead.
On to the top, you'll notice the hybrid SIM and microSD card slot to the left and another mic (of the previously mentioned quad-mic array) on the top right. Again, because the back of the phone is being used for mods, you'll notice wireless components have to be placed around the phone. The NFC component is also position on the top. So if you're using NFC-enabled apps such as wireless payments with the Moto Z, you'll have to tap the top of the phone to the NFC reader.
On the bottom, you'll only find a USB Type-C connector and nothing else, and it cannot just be because of the thinness since both the Moto Z and Moto Z Force eschews a 3.5mm headphone jack. We're told adapters will be bundled in the box. Again, this decision seem to stem from the fact that Lenovo had to engineer every component that could be affected by having its rear blocked by mods to other parts, so some sacrifices have to be made.
Here's where it gets interesting. The rear of the Moto Z and Moto Z Force are fully metal, smooth and polished to a shine. And yes, we purposely shot this to show that it is a huge smudge magnet, but also to show that it may not actually matter, and you'll see why in the next slide. Take note of the rear camera bump though.
Vanity mods called Style Shells, essentially brings the Moto Maker concept of personalization from the Moto X to the Moto Z. Style Shells are magnetic rear snap-ons that you can replace anytime and come in natural materials such as wood, cork and leather. Notice that the camera is now totally flush with the rear and ugly fingerprint smudges are completely hidden. Even if you do not buy into the other modular accessories, you're bound to get a Style Shell as the phone design practically begs for it. Well played Lenovo, well played.
The most interesting feature you'll notice are two rows of gold pins and another gold strip below. The 16-pin connector is a proprietary interface for the modular add-ons called Moto Mods and the strip below is an additional allowance for signal integrity so connected mods do not interfere with wireless or cellular signals when in use. There are no other clamps and Moto Mods connect purely via magnets. Also note the fourth of the quad-mic array located at the bottom right.
Here's a closer look at the rear camera and dual-tone flash. The round housing seems much bigger than needed for the size of the sensor. As little information is provided now, we can only guess that it is a deliberate design to accommodate a future camera mod that Lenovo has hinted to being developed. (Editor's note: We overstayed our welcome with the previous phone and moved to a different station. The black model seems less susceptible to smudges.)
Currently, four Moto Mods have been announced: the cosmetic Style Shells, a speaker, a projector and a battery. Lenovo has already worked with partners such as JBL, Kate Spade and Tumi while fashion designer Vivienne Tam is set to release a range at the upcoming NY Fashion Week. Lenovo will soon release their MDK (Module Developer Kit) to third party developers too, with a US$1 million funding prize for the best prototype created.